SVA Film Festival

The Society for Visual Anthropology’s Film Festival screens work by students, professional anthropologists, and professional filmmakers at the American Anthropological Association’s annual conference.

The Festival jury, comprised of anthropologists and film scholars, selects work to be included in the Festival on the basis of anthropological relevance and value to the field. Low budget and shorter works receive as careful attention as high budget or longer works. The SVA may bestow a number of awards each year, including the Festival’s highest recognition, the Joan S. Williams Award of Excellence, named for the Festival’s longtime organizer who retired in 2006. An award for Best Student Work is awarded annually and the Jean Rouch Award may be given for collaborative and participatory work.